King Ratsnake

About the King Ratsnake

Elaphe carinata, the king ratsnake, is a species of Colubrid snake found in Southeast and East Asia. Elaphe carinata is a large species of snake with total length up to 240 cm (7.9 ft). It is an active, predatory snake that preys extensively on mice, birds, bird eggs and frogs, and sometimes on grasshoppers, beetles, lizards or other snakes.

The common name refers to its habit of eating other snakes, including venomous species such as the sharp-nosed viper. It suffocates its prey by constriction, similar to the hunting technique of boas and pythons. Elaphe carinata also preys on rodents and other small animals. They are opportunistic hunters and will even forage nests.

It is also known as Taiwan stink snake and stinking goddess, referring to this species' highly developed post-anal glands, which are frequently emptied when the snake is picked up, resulting in a very strong, unpleasant odour.

This species shares similar characteristics and behaviours with Lampropeltis, Thamnophis, and Ophiophagus. However, regardless of speculation among herpetoculturists, the king ratsnake shares very little direct genetic relationship... Wikipedia →